This is the dramatic moment a determined policeman held onto the door of a moving oil tanker for 10 miles to catch a driver.

Police Major General Mana Nonthapa, commander of the Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, in northern Thailand, pulled the daring stunt while trying to catch a trucker who allegedly ignored a red traffic light and drove past a police checkpoint on April 24 morning.

Mana had chased after the 18-wheeler on his motorcycle after it disobeyed the officer's orders to stop. When the tanker finally parked near a U-turn slot, Mana ordered the driver to show his license, but the alleged violator refused and drove away again, claiming he needed to consult his superiors at his company about the situation.

Unwilling to let the driver escape, Mana clung tightly onto the driver's seat door with one hand while calling for backup with the other. The vehicle was reportedly moving at around 40 to 50 kilometres per hour, and drove a distance of about 10 miles before docking at the petrol station.

The driver Opchoey Buddabat, 54, was charged with violating a red traffic light, and disobeying police instructions.

Onlooker Krishna Thong-on, 25, recorded the action movie-like sequence. He said: 'While I was driving home, I saw a traffic police standing outside the driver's side of the truck, so I followed it. The police told me to take a clip which they will keep as evidence.

'I just continued filming until we reached the gas station. Such an event was very shocking because it happened just like in the movies, and the driver of the oil truck drove very fast. I was worried that the officer would fall and hurt himself. Luckily, we arrived at the station and managed to park safely.'

Mana was praised for the dedication he exhibited at his job. He received a certificate and some cash at a meeting of 23 chiefs of police stations in Udon Thani. Meanwhile, Opchoey, along with a company representative, later gave him a gift basket as an apology for the incident.

Mana said: 'I want to tell road users that if everyone obeys the traffic rules, everyone will also be safe on the road. Accidents can happen if they violate regulations.

'Be careful when driving on the road. Be disciplined, obey traffic rules, and accidents can be avoided.'

He added that a relative called to chastise him, begging him not to do something so dangerous again.